ST. PETERSBURG -- Another highly ranked Marlins prospect has been promoted. Isan Diaz, who was acquired as part of the Christian Yelich trade with the Brewers in January, is moving up to Triple-A New Orleans.
The left-handed-hitting second baseman has bounced back from a slow start at Double-A Jacksonville, and he will now see regular playing time with the Baby Cakes.
Ranked by MLB Pipeline as Miami's No. 7 prospect, Diaz had a slash line of .245/.365/.418 with 10 home runs and 42 RBIs for the Jumbo Shrimp. MLB Pipeline also ranks Diaz as the No. 4 second-base prospect in the Minors.
A power threat, Diaz also compiled 19 doubles, one triple, 10 stolen bases and 44 runs scored in 83 games. New Orleans needed infield depth after placing Cito Culver on the disabled list.
The Marlins have not hesitated to promote players who are performing. Diaz, who impressed the big league staff in Spring Training, got off to a slow start, and then he missed time on the disabled list due to a concussion he suffered after getting plunked in the head by a pitch.
Since returning, Diaz has made steady progress in the Southern League. He's picked things up over his past 10 games, hitting .314/.429/.714 with four home runs and 12 RBIs.
If he shows he can handle Triple-A pitching, the 22-year-old Diaz could be in line for a September callup with the Marlins. His progression to the big leagues also could be accelerated if Miami trades second baseman Starlin Castro.
The Marlins have promoted several of their top prospects since the season started. A few weeks ago, pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Pablo Lopez made the leap from Triple-A, although Alcantara (right axillary infection) is currently on the disabled list.